The novel was published in 1960, just before Senegal became independent. It is based on a famous railroad strike which occurred in 1947-48. The novel focuses on the late stages of French colonialism. Sembene writes a dramatic and compelling story about the strike. He also uses it to make economic, political, and cultural points, as well, in support of Senegal's struggle against the French and labor's struggle with management. The novel will seem familiar in form and style. That is, it's a realist-didactic, strike novel that utilizes Western techniques. It is a political novel. The narrative is direct and sequential. The